The Blues and the Abstract Truth cover

The Blues and the Abstract Truth

Oliver Nelson · 2015

36 min · 6 tracks · jazz

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Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
79 /100
Summit
Higher than 99% of albums we've rated

The album features innovative arrangements and strong instrumental interplay, marking a significant contribution to jazz.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with 'Stolen Moments', which features a layered arrangement of horns that create a rich harmonic backdrop.
  • Each track showcases intricate interplay between instruments, with solos that often weave in and out of the ensemble sections.
  • The tempo varies significantly across tracks, with 'Hoe-Down' introducing a brisk pace that contrasts with the more contemplative 'Yearnin'' and 'Teenie's Blues'.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
9/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
8/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Stolen Moments 8:45
  • 2 Hoedown 4:42
  • 3 Cascades 5:29
  • 4 Yearnin' 6:22
  • 5 Butch and Butch 4:36
  • 6 Teenie's Blues 6:33

What to play next

3-2-1-0
Go back to

3-2-1-0

2008
Full Oliver Nelson discography Artists like Oliver Nelson
bebop jazz fusion post-bop

Reference: MusicBrainz